Thinking ahead for spring lawn care

By Dan CoppContributor

The name Justin Stelter has become synonymous with gardening and landscaping throughout Middle Tennessee. In addition to serving as the director of garden and grounds at Carnton Plantation for more than 10 years, Stelter maintains gardens for nearly 200 private clients.

Stelter has served as the historic garden consultant at the Hermitage from 2009-2012 and serves as a board member of the Southern Garden History Society. In addition, he also serves as a board member of the Professional Landscape Association of Nashville Tennessee and was voted onto the board of Nashville City Cemetery. He is the Third Vice President of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

Some of Stelter’s high-end services include complete boxwood care, dry-stacked stone work and espalier installation.

“While those specialty services are unique, it’s our attention to detail in every aspect of our service that sets us apart,” he said.

Although you may not be able to see your lawn right now due to the recent snowfall, Stelter said that planning ahead is paramount.

“It is very important to begin planning your landscape now for several reasons, but the reason I emphasize the most is that proper planning takes time,” he said. “A good, well-balanced design should be both beautiful and functional in all seasons. Winter is the season to take stock of the structure and spatial relationship of a site.”

One key advantage of early lawn-care planning is the additional time that can be dedicated to allow a concept to fully flourish, Stelter said.

“Too many times, projects are rushed to meet a deadline and corners are cut or the concept is not fully realized,” he said. “Extra time is a safeguard against this. Extra time almost always ensures a better plan. Our secrets for a successful lawn and landscape really aren’t secrets; they are old-fashioned, time-tested truths. Each day we wake up as a unified team and strive for excellence by listening to our customers and focusing on the details. In the short-term, many can create something that seems great. But our process is dedicated to the long-term greatness of a site.”